The revitalization of Richardson Stadium is not just the building of a new stadium; it’s the building of a strong varsity sports program, and the building of a strong, leading university overall. Queen’s is committed to engaging with the Queen’s and Kingston communities as the revitalization process moves forward. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions on the stadium project.

With excitement building for the official opening of Richardson Stadium on Sept. 17th, featuring Queen’s first home football and soccer games of the season, construction is now in the final stage. As crews work to meet the deadline, some work has continued into the evening hours.

This morning we learned that the field lights at the stadium were on until the early morning hours. We apologize for this and have spoken with the contractor and ensured that on Thursday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Aug. 26 the field lights will not be on past 10 p.m. In addition, the lights will be adjusted to a lower setting. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience during this final stage of construction. I would like to assure you that we are doing as much as possible to minimize the impact on the neighborhood.

I would also like to inform you that testing of the sound system will occur between Monday, Sept. 12th and Friday, Sept. 16th, sporadically between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We will continue to provide updates on the construction on the Richardson Stadium Revitalization page (www.queensu.ca/connect/richardsonstadium). However, if you have concerns or questions about construction at Richardson Stadium at any time, please contact Queen’s University Relations at 613-533-3126 or email gir@queensu.ca.

As part of its ongoing consultation and outreach activities, on July 6, Queen’s University held a public information session to update neighbours and community members on the construction of Richardson Stadium and plans for the official opening.

“I thank all of those who attended the information session, asked questions and shared their thoughts on the new stadium,” says Michael Fraser, Vice-Principal (University Relations). With the revitalized stadium set to open in September, I look forward to continued consultation and engagement with the community on Richardson Stadium and other Queen’s initiatives.”

At the information session, John Witjes, Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities), reported that construction of the new stadium is progressing well and is on schedule for the grand opening and inaugural football game, scheduled for September 17.

“The revitalization of the stadium has allowed for many design improvements to enhance the user experience. The stadium is fully accessible, has elevated seating with improved sightlines, and will included the latest field turf technology. Also included are new lighting and sound systems which will improve stadium operations and reduce the impact on Queen’s neighbours. This was one of our key focuses on this project,” says John Witjes, Associate Vice-Principal (Facilities).

The state-of-the-art sound system will focus amplified sound, by using distributed speakers around the stadium that each operate at a lower volume. In addition, the stadium’s bowl-shaped design will reduce overall sound levels. The university has followed the recommendations of the sound consultant engaged on the project.

The new lighting system uses shielded, higher lights that direct downward and focus on the field surface. This provides enhanced field level lighting and reduces light spillover outside the stadium. In addition, the new east parking lot lights are dark sky compliant, a state-of-the-art technology that minimizes light pollution and reduces light spillover from the parking lot.

The university also commissioned an arborist to help reduce the impact to existing trees and has increased the number of trees on site. The arborist’s report is available here.

With the elimination of the running track, the overall footprint of the stadium has shifted to the east and north. While the east side of the stadium is in the same position, the west side is roughly 40 feet further east, creating more space between the stadium and the western boundary of the property. The main entrance is now conveniently on the stadium’s east side.

“The new stadium will include a better experience and upgraded amenities for all those coming to the venue. Queen’s looks forward to special preview tours for our neighbours as construction nears completion and will also be sharing a final program for the stadium opening shortly” says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation

The stadium offers integrated and varied seating options and improved sightlines, bringing the fans closer to the field action. An array of enhanced amenities includes a new box office, new washrooms, concessions, an upper concourse with access to both sides of the field, a new video board and sound system, modern stadium lighting, and paved parking with reserved access. For the press and media, the stadium is fully TV compatible with designated work stations and TV camera spaces within the new press box. Richardson Stadium is financed through the generosity of Stu Lang.

As part of its ongoing consultation and outreach process for the revitalization of Richardson Stadium, Queen’s University will host an information session to update community neighbors on the stadium’s construction and to answer questions.

All are invited to the meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, July 6 at 6 pm in Room 101 of Queen’s School of Kinesiology and Health Studies building (28 Division St.).

“Construction has proceeded very well and it is exciting to see that the new stadium is really taking shape,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation. “The new facility will provide an enhanced venue for Queen’s and community sporting activities and will be a valuable resource for Kingston.”

Construction of the revitalized stadium began in July 2015 and was made possible thanks to generous philanthropic support. The revitalized stadium will feature improved facilities and a new synthetic turf field. An improved sound system at the stadium will help reduce the sound levels experienced by the local neighbourhood and the new lighting design will reduce light trespass into the neighbourhood.

The official opening of the stadium is planned for September 17, coinciding with the stadium’s inaugural football game as the Queen’s Gaels host the Western Mustangs.

Construction of Richardson Stadium began in July 2015 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2016, prior to the first game of the season. The exceptionally mild winter has allowed construction crews to work continuously throughout the winter months.

To ensure the safety of those passing the construction area, the area surrounding the stadium (click here to view highlighted area) is a construction zone, for your safety please avoid this area. Please note that Stadium Lane is a construction zone and not accessible to the public.

On December 5, Queen’s University hosted a ground breaking ceremony to officially mark the start of construction on the revitalized Richardson Stadium. Alumni, students and community members gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the history of Richardson Stadium and of Queen’s athletics.

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous benefactors for making the dream of a revitalized Richardson Stadium a reality,” says Alan Harrison, Queen’s University Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “Without this kind of leadership and philanthropic support, this project would not be possible.”

The revitalization project began with a lead gift of $10 million from Queen’s alumni Stu Lang, Sc’74, and Kim Lang, Artsci’76. The Richardson Foundation contributed an additional $5 million donation towards the project, with total donations exceeding $17 million. The university will invest an additional $3 million for infrastructure support of the stadium, bringing the total funding to $20.27 million.

“My wife and I met and spent four wonderful years at Queen’s. I personally experienced life-changing opportunities both on and off the field,” says Stu Lang. “The revitalization is about far more than just a new stadium. It is a key step in building a stronger varsity sports program for Queen’s and providing a better connection to the university. I’m proud to support this transformative initiative.”

Scheduled to open in time for the 2016 Gaels football season, the new Richardson Stadium will be amongst the top facilities of its kind in Ontario – with an artificial turf field, U-shaped seating arrangement, a state-of-the-art scoreboard and improved broadcast and webcast capability.

“I know our entire team is looking forward to taking the field next year in our new home,” says Curtis Carmichael, wide receiver for the Queen’s Gaels football team and recipient of the 2015 Russ Jackson Award. “The new Richardson Stadium will be a major point of pride for Queen’s, current and future Gaels and the Kingston community.”

During the fall the Gaels community was asked to provide feedback on three potential end zone designs for the revitalized Richardson Stadium. With over 5,000 votes cast, design B featuring a blue end-zone with Queen’s in gold and tricolour swooshes on either side emerged as the clear fan favorite.

The Richardson Stadium revitalization project is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign. It is the next step in the university’s efforts to enhance its athletics and recreation facilities to promote the health and wellness of all students. Other recent projects include the Athletics and Recreation Centre and the redevelopment of Tindall, Nixon, and Miklas-McCarney fields. For more information on the Richardson Stadium revitalization project, please visit the website.

The Richardson Stadium revitalization project is moving along well. Demolition of the old stadium is underway, with construction that began this fall and will continue through the winter and spring. The new stadium is scheduled for completion in August 2016, in time for the 2016 football season. Work will continue through the winter as weather permits, including work to renovate the west building. The majority of work on the project will take place between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Over the next several weeks excavation and drilling for supports and foundations for the stadium will occur.

Richardson Stadium is a historically significant sports venue for Queen’s, Kingston, and Canada. The third Richardson Stadium will be an important competitive sports venue and recreational facility for Queen’s and the broader community. Please join us to commemorate this important milestone for our community at a groundbreaking ceremony on December 5.

In accordance with the planned construction schedule for the stadium revitalization, demolition work is underway on the east side of Richardson Stadium. Due to this, the east side of the stadium will be closed for Saturday’s playoff football game against the Carleton Ravens. Queen’s students are invited to purchase tickets for seats on the west side of the stadium, in the Gaels club, or in the south end zone.

Construction of the new stadium is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2016 athletics season.

At an open house on Oct. 23, the university unveiled new renderings depicting the plans for the revitalized Richardson Stadium.

Infrastructure and demolition work at the stadium site are underway, with construction expected to begin at the end of the 2015 football season and be completed by the start of the 2016 athletic season.

An architect’s rendering of the revitalized Richardson Stadium, slated to open in fall 2016.

An architect’s rendering of the revitalized Richardson Stadium, slated to open in fall 2016.

An architect’s rendering of the revitalized Richardson Stadium, slated to open in fall 2016.

The revitalization of Richardson Stadium is not just the building of a new stadium; it is the building of a strong varsity sports program for Queen’s, and of a strong university overall. The project is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign.

Queen’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public are invited to attend an open house to showcase updated plans for the revitalization of Richardson Stadium.

The event will feature new images and video depicting the revitalized stadium. Representatives from Queen’s Athletics and Recreation will also be on hand to answer questions about the stadium design and discuss their exciting plans for the 2016 athletic season.

The open house will take place Friday, October 23 from 3 to 5 pm at the Athletics and Recreation Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Construction of the new stadium is expected to be completed by the start of the 2016 athletic season.

The revitalization of Richardson Stadium is not just the building of a new stadium; it is the building of a strong varsity sports program for Queen’s, and of a strong university overall. The project is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign.

The revitalization of Richardson Stadium is not just the building of a new stadium; it is the building of a strong varsity sports program for Queen’s, and of a strong university overall. The project is a priority within Queen’s $500-million Initiative Campaign.

Construction of the new stadium is expected to be completed by the start of the 2016 athletic season.